AthlonSports.com - Harrison Barneshttp://athlonsports.com/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes
en2012 NBA Mock Draft: With Tiers, Trade Rumorshttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2012-nba-mock-draft-tiers-trade-rumors
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Athlon Sports&#039; 2012 NBA Mock Draft, complete with trade rumors and a tier breakdown of the various talent drop-offs in the first round of the June 28 draft.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Athlon Sports’ 2012 NBA Mock Draft (updated June 27, 4:45 p.m. ET) breaks down all 30 picks in the first round, highlighting each “tier” of talent and exploring several trade rumors in the opening round of the June 28 draft.</p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 1</strong><br />
<em>Potential 2012 Olympian, one-man band headed to the Big Easy.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>1. New Orleans Hornets</strong><br />
<em>Anthony Davis, F/C, Kentucky</em><br />
The “Uni-blocker” enters the league as a Marcus Camby-caliber shot blocker with Tim Duncan-dominant all-around potential. Fair or not, expectations are of the Hall of Fame, multiple-championship variety.</p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 2</strong><br />
<em> Immediate starters with All-Star upside, minimal downside.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>2. Charlotte Bobcats</strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/28779-1/BarnesHarrison.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 327px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
<em>Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina</em><br />
The direction the dominoes start to fall will be determined by the Cats, who have plenty of options to choose from. The Harrison Barnes “brand” may not be what fans and scouts thought they were buying into, but Michael Jordan likes his fellow Tar Heel; that’s all that matters in Charlotte.</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Washington Wizards</strong><br />
<em>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky</em><br />
MKG has a jump shot that looks like Charles Barkley’s golf swing. But he can run, rebound, defend and is a “winner.” The value of intangible toughness and being a good teammate will be pushed to the limit by Kidd-Gilchrist.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. Cleveland Cavaliers</strong><br />
<em>Bradley Beal, SG, Florida</em><br />
Graybeard Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving) would love to have another old head with a grown man’s game to join him in the backcourt. Beal has been compared to Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen); He Got Game worthy of the No. 2 pick.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Sacramento Kings</strong><br />
<em>Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas</em><br />
Could go as high as No. 2, but likely won’t fall past the Kings — a team looking to trade former Rookie of Year ball-hog guard Tyreke Evans and build around monster in the middle DeMarcus Cousins. The steady Robinson would be a great fit next to big DMC.</p>
<p>
<em><strong>TRADE RUMOR:</strong> Look out for Bobcats and Cavaliers swap of the Nos. 2 and 4 picks; potential trade could also include Cavaliers’ No. 24 pick.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 3</strong><br />
<em>Trade territory with two fast rising guards, one big enigma.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>6. Portland Trail Blazers</strong><br />
<em>Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State</em><br />
Portlandia can’t stop smiling about Lillard, who has a small school chip on his shoulder to go along with Derrick Rose size and nearly as much athleticism at the point.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Golden State Warriors</strong><br />
<em>Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse</em><br />
Outside shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have range from the other side of the Bay. A combo guard like Waiters — who attacks the rim like a pit bull from Philly — would add another dimension to Mark Jackson’s team.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Toronto Raptors</strong><br />
<em>Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut</em><br />
The big enigma has the 6’11” frame, 275-pound size and coordinated athleticism that teams drool over during draft season. Between the ears and on the left side of his chest, however, there are major Kwame Brown-sized concerns.</p>
<p>
<em><strong>TRADE RUMOR:</strong> If Drummond falls to the Raptors, expect the Rockets — a club with the Nos. 12, 16 and 18 picks in the first round — to rapidly rise up the board via trade.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 4</strong><br />
<em>Solid professionals, eventual starters with room to grow.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>9. Detroit Pistons</strong><br />
<em>Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois</em><br />
The American version of Darko Milicic or another beast down low to pair with Greg Monroe? Leonard is a workout warrior with limited on-court production at Illinois.</p>
<p>
<strong>10. New Orleans Hornets</strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/30808-2/Austin-Rivers.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 327px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
<em>Austin Rivers, SG, Duke</em><br />
Doc’s son thinks he’s Kobe Bryant. And hey, he did hit the shot of the year — with a game-winning rainbow bomb over Tyler Zeller as time expired at North Carolina. Rivers is either a star or a cancer, maybe both.</p>
<p>
<strong>11. Portland Trail Blazers</strong><br />
<em>Terrence Ross, G/F, Washington</em><br />
Ross looks the part of an ultra-athletic NBA wing, with dunk contest moves and downtown range. Plus, Paul Allen loves hiring guys from UW.</p>
<p>
<strong>12. Houston Rockets</strong><br />
<em>Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina</em><br />
The Rockets continue their climb up the board, moving Samuel Dalembert and the No. 14 pick to the Bucks in order to move up two spots. Tyler, the older brother of Indiana rising star sophomore Cody Zeller, can run the floor and finish at the rim for the next decade.</p>
<p>
<strong>13. Phoenix Suns</strong><br />
<em>Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut</em><br />
Is he about to cry? Lamb’s hound dog demeanor and watery, half-moon eyes have somehow overshadowed the fact that Jim Calhoun has never touted a two-guard who wasn’t pretty good (see: Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Kemba Walker).</p>
<p>
<strong>14. Milwaukee Bucks</strong><br />
<em>John Henson, PF, North Carolina</em><br />
Dangerously skinny, pogo stick of a power forward, Henson can swat shots and run. But can he bang for boards or defend anyone in the post.</p>
<p>
<strong>15. Philadelphia 76ers</strong><br />
<em>Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina</em><br />
Lefty with eyes in the back of his head, Marshall is a pass-first point who could run the show alongside the Sixers’ collection of talented, young ath-a-letes.</p>
<p>
<strong>16. Houston Rockets</strong><br />
<em>Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s</em><br />
Quick riser may sky his way into the late lottery when it’s all said and done — especially if coaches keep watching the tape of the one-and-done’s 30-point, 13-rebound game in an upset win at Duke.</p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 5</strong><br />
<em>Talented but troubled prospects who should have entered last year’s draft.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>17. Dallas Mavericks</strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/26149-1/terrence-jones-uk-basketball.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 333px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
<em>Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky</em><br />
Texas-sized talent could bring what Mavs wanted from Lamar Odom trade last season.</p>
<p>
<strong>18. Houston Rockets</strong><br />
<em>Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor</em><br />
PJ3 is no RG3. Will be a value pick if the Rockets can keep his fuel cell full.</p>
<p>
<strong>19. Orlando Magic</strong><br />
<em>Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State</em><br />
Big Sully’s bad back was red-flagged by NBA doctors, but his polished below-the-rim offensive moves, good hands, quick feet and track record of production at every level should keep him in the first round.</p>
<p>
<em><strong>TRADE RUMOR:</strong> The Magic’s Dwight Howard is the biggest name on the trade market, and draft night would be a great time to move the big man who just had back surgery. The Lakers and Nets have long been rumored, but the Rockets now appear to be all-in.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>TIER 6</strong><br />
<em>Role players with specific skills or raw projectable talent.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>20. Denver Nuggets</strong><br />
<em>Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State</em><br />
Physical rebounder with coveted size, can come off the bench and clean the glass.</p>
<p>
<strong>21. Boston Celtics</strong><br />
<em>John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt</em><br />
Exit Ray Allen, enter Jenkins: the premier sharpshooter in a shooting guard heavy class.</p>
<p>
<strong>22. Boston Celtics</strong><br />
<em>Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt</em><br />
Knee injuries are a concern, but 6’11” Nigerian import has shown unbelievable growth as a player since starting his basketball career in 2007.</p>
<p>
<strong>23. Atlanta Hawks</strong><br />
<em>Will Barton, G/F, Memphis</em><br />
Versatile scorer needs to add weight, become more consistent shooter; but the talent and work ethic are worth a gamble.</p>
<p>
<strong>24. Cleveland Cavaliers</strong><br />
<em>Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure</em><br />
Stretch-four with high basketball IQ and impressive shooting range, would fit in well with fellow Canadian first-rounder Tristan Thompson.</p>
<p>
<strong>25. Memphis Grizzlies</strong><br />
<em>Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky</em><br />
Jeff’s little brother is the latest (and least talented) of John Calipari’s high profile point guard recruits.</p>
<p>
<strong>26. Indiana Pacers</strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/26658-1/JefferyTaylor.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 327px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
<em>Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt</em><br />
Defensive stopper with elite athleticism, the Swiss Army knife could fill several roles for a playoff team.</p>
<p>
<strong>27. Miami Heat</strong><br />
<em>Fab Melo, C, Syracuse</em><br />
Brazilian big man has a short fuse, weight issues and has struggled to grasp the nuances of the game. But the 7-footer has shot-blocking ability and six fouls to give — already a one foul improvement over his limit at Cuse.</p>
<p>
<strong>28. Oklahoma City Thunder</strong><br />
<em>Evan Fournier, SG, France</em><br />
The only international prospect being mentioned as a potential first-round talent, the Frenchman is a slasher with a streaky jumper.</p>
<p>
<em><strong>TRADE RUMOR:</strong> Fresh off a runner-up finish in the NBA Finals, the Thunder have long-term planning to take care of — as far as James Harden and Serge Ibaka’s contracts are concerned. OKC doesn’t need or want any more guaranteed first-round rookie deals on the books and will likely trade out of the No. 28 pick.</em></p>
<p>
<strong>29. Chicago Bulls</strong><br />
<em>Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky</em><br />
A combo guard glue guy who can shoot from NBA 3-point range, defend, handle and pass, Lamb will help fill the black hole left in the wake of Derrick Rose’s knee injury.</p>
<p>
<strong>30. Golden State Warriors</strong><br />
<em>Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State</em><br />
The last guaranteed contract of the night goes to Green — a point forward who lacks a traditional position due to his wide body, lack of athleticism and ability to create as a ball-handler and passer.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/kentucky">Kentucky</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/north-carolina">North Carolina</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/syracuse">Syracuse</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/kansas">Kansas</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/florida">Florida</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/vanderbilt">Vanderbilt</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-60 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NBA Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/washington-wizards">Washington Wizards</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-teams/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/houston-rockets">Houston Rockets</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-teams/sacramento-kings">Sacramento Kings</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/orlando-magic">Orlando Magic</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-61 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NBA Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/dwight-howard">Dwight Howard</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/michael-kidd-gilchrist">Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/thomas-robinson">Thomas Robinson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/bradley-beal">Bradley Beal</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/dion-waiters">Dion Waiters</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/jared-sullinger">Jared Sullinger</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/austin-rivers">Austin Rivers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/chase-budinger">Chase Budinger</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/michael-kidd-gilchrist">Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/jared-sullinger">Jared Sullinger</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/austin-rivers">Austin Rivers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/thomas-robinson">Thomas Robinson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/bradley-beal">Bradley Beal</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/dion-waiters">Dion Waiters</a></div></div></div>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:45:15 +0000Nathan Rush11027 at http://athlonsports.comHarrison Barnes' Google Headshot Bio is Awesome http://athlonsports.com/overtime/harrison-barnes-google-headshot-bio-awesome
<div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Main Header Image</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
If you haven't noticed it yet, Google has a new feature for celebs and athletes. When you type in a name, Google will pull in a short bio and photo on the right-hand side for you. Of course, it doesn't always work so well.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">
Case in point is Harrison Barnes, the University of North Carolina standout who entered the NBA Draft this year. Check out Barnes' results below or <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/search?source=ig&amp;hl=en&amp;rlz=&amp;q=Harrison+Barnes&amp;btnG=Google+Search">try it yourself in Google</a>.</p>
<p class="p1">
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/30265-1/HarrisonBarnes.jpeg" style="border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; width: 475px; height: 414px; " /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div></div></div>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:24 +0000Rich McVey10783 at http://athlonsports.comNCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Preview: Midwest Regionhttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-preview-midwest-region
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Everyone had No. 1 North Carolina in the Sweet 16, but No. 11 NC State was a bracket buster.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<strong>NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Preview: Midwest Region</strong></p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/9032-1/Roy+Williams.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 327px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><strong>Top Dog — North Carolina (1)</strong></p>
<p>
After getting shot-swatting forward John Henson back from a wrist injury suffered in the ACC Tournament, the Tar Heels suffered an even worse blow when ambidextrous assist man Kendall Marshall went down with a wrist injury of his own in the Round of 32 against overmatched Creighton. Fortunately, two-time national champion coach Roy Williams has one of the deepest rosters in the land. Harrison Barnes (17 points, five rebounds) was outscored and outrebounded by his Ames (Iowa) High School teammate, Creighton's Doug McDermott (20 points, nine rebounds), in their head-to-head reunion. The superb sophomore will be counted on to raise his game to another level, as will senior center Tyler Zeller, if the Tar Heels have any hopes of reaching the Final Four in New Orleans without a full strength effort from either Marshall or Henson.</p>
<p>
<strong>Underdog – Ohio (13)</strong></p>
<p>
The Bobcats are moving on to their first Sweet 16 in school history after emotional wins over No. 4 seed Michigan, 65-60, and No. 12 "First Four" play-in South Florida, 62-56. Ohio hit 9-of-18 from 3-point range against USF after going 15-of-17 from the free throw line against the Maize and Blue. A combination of both hot streaks might be necessary in order to pull off an upset of heavily favored North Carolina in St. Louis.</p>
<p>
<strong>Player to Watch – Lorenzo Brown, NC State (11)</strong></p>
<p>
The Wolfpack guard has been a statsheet stuffer in upset wins over San Diego State (6) and Georgetown (3). The 6'5" sophomore averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.5 steals over his first two games in the Dance. There was little Brown could not do for NC State when it mattered most against the Hoyas, as the clutch playmaker hit three crucial free throws in the final 10.6 seconds of a thrilling 66-63 victory.</p>
<p>
<strong>Injury Update – Kendall Marshall, North Carolina (1)</strong></p>
<p>
First Syracuse's Fab Melo and now UNC's Kendall Marshall; Kentucky's Anthony Davis and Michigan State's Draymond Green better watch out, because the most indispensable players on the No. 1 seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament are dropping like flies. While Melo is done, Marshall is holding out hope after breaking a bone in his right (non-shooting) wrist. The pass-first sophomore point guard is the conductor of Carolina's offensive orchestra. NBA Lottery talents Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller will have a tough time without Marshall, who is nearly irreplaceable following the season-ending ACL injury to backup point guard Dexter Strickland earlier this year.</p>
<p>
<strong>Lefty Still Loose</strong></p>
<p>
"Luckily it's my right hand. If it was my left hand, then we'd probably have some problems. But we'll take it day-by-day and figure it out." - North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall, a southpaw who suffered a broken bone in his right wrist during an 87-73 win over Creighton to advance to the Sweet 16.<br />
</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/nc-state-wolfpack">NC State Wolfpack</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/john-henson">John Henson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/kendall-marshall">Kendall Marshall</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/roy-williams">Roy Williams</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/mark-gottfried">Mark Gottfried</a></div></div></div>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:01:11 +0000Nathan Rush9355 at http://athlonsports.comNCAA Tournament: Breakout Playershttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-breakout-players
<div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Two Left Sidebar Images</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Nate Wolters, Casper Ware and Doug McDermott will be on a national stage this weekend in the NCAA Tournament.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
</p>
<p>
The brackets are out, and the NCAA Tournament begins in just days. The editors at Athlon Sports are debating some of the hot topics regarding the Field of 68.</p>
<p>
<strong>Which player are you most looking forward to watching on a national stage?</strong></p>
<p>
<strong>Mitch Light: </strong>Nate Wolters of South Dakota State is a scoring point guard who plays an exciting brand of basketball. The 6-4 junior from St. Cloud, Minn., is averaging 21.3 points per game but doesn’t do too much damage from 3-point range (one made three per game). He is a high-volume 2-point shooter who also gets to the foul line a bunch (7.1 shots per game). Earlier this season, he erupted for 34 points in the Jackrabbits’ 92–73 win at Washington. SDSU will need Wolters to be at his very best to have a chance of knocking off Baylor in the first round this Thursday in Albuquerque.</p>
<p>
<strong>Mark Ross: </strong>Creighton's Doug McDermott has already received a lot of press this season as the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. That said, I am curious to see how he fares against Alabama in the Bluejays' opening game. McDermott is 6-7 and could be at a slight height disadvantage against the other Crimson Tide big men (depending on lineups). McDermott may need to alter his game somewhat to try and stretch Bama's defense and take advantage of his quickness, range and shot-making ability. If Creighton gets by Alabama then presumably a matchup with No. 1 seed North Carolina looms, which would pit McDermott against his former high school teammate, Harrison Barnes. North Carolina has seven players who are all athletic and 6-7 or taller which they can use to defend McDermott, including ACC Defensive Player of the Year John Henson. This should be a perfect opportunity for McDermott to show the nation, not to mention NBA scouts who are sure to be watching, what he can do on the big stage.</p>
<p>
<strong>Nathan Rush:</strong> Now is the time for North Carolina's Harrison Barnes to show he can be a consistent leader, defender and late-game closer on basketball's biggest stage. The sophomore from Ames, Iowa, will be counted on to carry the Tar Heels to the Final Four in New Orleans, after falling one win short of the national semifinals last season. In the process, the 6'8", 215-pound small forward will answer several questions about his pro potential. Barnes has been compared to former Roy Williams product Paul Pierce and 2003 national champion Carmelo Anthony. With UNC's supporting cast, Barnes will be cutting down the nets on Monday night, April 2, if he has that type of All-Star killer instinct.<br />
Patrick Snow: I think Doug McDermott of Creighton has a chance to have a Stephen Curry- or Jimmer Fredette-like effect on this year’s tournament. The 6-7 sophomore averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this year, and he shot an amazingly efficient 61 percent from the field. McDermott dropped 36 points on Long Beach State in the BracketBusters game and had 33 in the Bluejays’ victory over Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Tournament Championship. Creighton has a tough draw with a physical Alabama squad and then a potential North Carolina matchup in the next round, but McDermott is the type of dynamic scorer who fans will love to watch.</p>
<p>
<strong>Braden Gall:</strong> From the little-guy-early-upset category, I will have to go with Long Beach State's Casper Ware and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters. I like both of these teams to pull the upset in the first round. But if you are asking me about the star player I can't wait to see push his team to New Orleans, none will be more fun to watch than Flip Pressey of Missouri. His vision and speed make him arguably the most difficult point guard in the nation to stop, and the Tigers looked poised to make a deep run — if they can get past their mirror image from Marquette in the Sweet 16.<br />
</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/casper-ware">Casper Ware</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/nate-wolters">Nate Wolters</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/doug-mcdermott">Doug McDermott</a></div></div></div>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:41:57 +0000Mitch Light9293 at http://athlonsports.comNCAA Tournament: Midwest Region Previewhttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-midwest-region-preview
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
A preview of the Midwest Region in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Harrison Barnes and the preseason No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels hope to return to the top at the Final Four in New Orleans but the Kansas Jayhawks will be a tough out.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<em><strong>2012 NCAA Tournament</strong></em></p>
<p>
<strong>MIDWEST REGION</strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/28779-1/BarnesHarrison.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 327px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
<em>St. Louis</em></p>
<p>
<strong>Top Two –</strong> <em>North Carolina (1), Kansas (2)</em></p>
<p>
The North Carolina Tar Heels (29–5, 14–2 ACC) were the preseason No. 1 team in the country in nearly every poll, including Athlon Sports’ preseason top 25. And although UNC is still stacked — with all-world sophomore wingman Harrison Barnes (17.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), 7-foot senior center Tyler Zeller (16.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg), shot-blocking junior forward John Henson (13.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.9 bpg) and pass-first point guard Kendall Marshall (7.5 ppg, 9.7 apg) — there are more questions circling the Tar Heels in March than there were in November, when Carolina opened the year with a win over Michigan State on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. The Tar Heels’ toughness and end-game finishing ability are issues of concern in Chapel Hill. Coach Roy Williams has won two national titles (2005, 2009) at North Carolina and been to a combined seven Final Fours (at UNC and Kansas). The question is whether or not this year’s team can win it all in New Orleans — the city in which Dean Smith won his two national championships, in 1982 and 1993.</p>
<p>
The Kansas Jayhawks (27–6, 16–2 Big 12) are led by a national player of the year candidate in 6’10” junior Thomas Robinson (17.9 ppg, 11.8 rpg) and a senior point guard in Tyshawn Taylor (17.3 ppg, 4.8 apg). But KU is far from a two-man team; junior combo guard Elijah Johnson (9.6 ppg, 3.8 apg), 7-foot junior Jeff Withey (9.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.3 bpg) and junior slasher Travis Releford (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) give coach Bill Self the type of veteran experience and leadership most powerhouse programs have not seen in decades. The Jayhawks have no bad losses on their resume — with all six defeats coming against NCAA Tournament teams (Kentucky, Duke, Davidson, Iowa State, Missouri, Baylor) — and will be a tough out once the ball is tipped on this year’s Tourney. Still, doubters will continue to point to Self’s back-to-back first round exits in 2005 and 2006, when Kansas was a No. 3 and No. 4 seed, respectively.</p>
<p>
<strong>Player to Watch –</strong> <em>Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan (4)</em></p>
<p>
The heir to the UTEP two-step fortune, Hardaway Jr. (14.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg) does not have the same killer crossover as his old man but he does have the same killer instinct in big games. The 6’6” sophomore from Miami has become the centerpiece of the Wolverines’ attack. Michigan had a 4–5 record in games the remarkably consistent Hardaway scored 10 or fewer points; the Maize-and-Blue’s other four losses were against Duke, Indiana and Ohio State twice — big time competition Hardaway averaged 16.5 points per game against.</p>
<p>
<strong>Sweet 16 Sleeper –</strong> <em>Temple (5)</em></p>
<p>
A veteran backcourt trio consisting of senior Philly native Ramone Moore (17.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.5 apg), junior combo guard Khalif Wyatt (17.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.4 apg) and senior Argentine point guard Juan Fernandez (11.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.9 apg) — all of whom are 6’4” matchup nightmares — lead an Owls club that has a high basketball IQ collectively. As a team, Temple shoots 47.2 percent from the field, 71.8 percent from the free throw line and 40.2 percent from 3-point range, all while averaging 23 assists-plus-steals compared to 13 turnovers per game.</p>
<p>
<strong>Upset Pick –</strong> <em>Belmont (14) over Georgetown (3)</em></p>
<p>
Coach Rick Byrd has over 500 wins at Belmont, but has yet to notch his first victory in the NCAA Tournament — despite coming painfully close against Duke (71–70) in 2008. This could be the year that changes. Bruins are making their fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament in seven seasons with a team that has six players who average between 8.5 and 14.1 points per game. Junior point guard Kerron Johnson (14.1 ppg, 5.2 apg) runs the show and will need to be a difference maker against Georgetown — the school that beat Belmont 80–55 in 2007.</p>
<p>
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-south-region-preview" target="_blank">2012 NCAA Tournament – South Region Preview</a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview" target="_blank">2012 NCAA Tournament – West Region Preview</a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-east-region-preview" target="_blank">2012 NCAA Tournament – East Region Preview</a><br />
<strong>2012 NCAA Tournament – Midwest Region Preview</strong><br />
</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/georgetown-hoyas">Georgetown Hoyas</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/belmont-bruins">Belmont Bruins</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/tyler-zeller">Tyler Zeller</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/thomas-robinson">Thomas Robinson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/roy-williams">Roy Williams</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/bill-self">Bill Self</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/tim-hardaway-jr">Tim Hardaway Jr.</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/juan-fernandez">Juan Fernandez</a></div></div></div>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:36:37 +0000Nathan Rush9263 at http://athlonsports.comCollege Basketball 2011 Preview: North Carolina Tar Heelshttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/college-basketball-2011-preview-north-carolina-tarheels
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
How far will Roy Williams and his Tar Heels go this season?&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
After the <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a></strong> fell one step short of the Final Four, Roy Williams entered the offseason uncertain about what his team might look like for 2011-12. Now, he couldn’t be more pleased. Each member of Williams’ starting frontcourt — <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></strong>, John Henson and Tyler Zeller — passed up a chance to enter the NBA Draft. Their decision to stay in school means that the Tar Heels return their top seven scorers from last season. Throw in a recruiting class that includes top-flight freshmen James McAdoo and P.J. Hairston, and UNC is a favorite to win its third NCAA <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball">college basketball</a></strong> title in the last eight years.</p>
<p>
“I’ve had five or six teams that I thought had a chance if they get lucky, if things go well, to win a national championship,” Williams says. “That’s the same kind of thing I think with this team. But you never know what’s going to happen.”</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/26251-1/HensonJ_200.jpg" style="margin: 3px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 275px;" />FRONTCOURT</strong></span><br />
UNC’s starters up front will contend for All-ACC first-team status after the trio combined for 43.1 points per game last season. Barnes got off to a slow start amid unreasonably high expectations for his freshman season, but he established himself as a fearless shot-maker in the clutch. He spent the offseason working on his ball-handling, which he hopes will enable him to drive more to the basket rather than relying so heavily on his jumper.</p>
<p>
Henson, with his long reach and leaping ability, has become the ACC’s most dominating defensive force. He still needs to improve his offense, but he led the league in blocked shots (3.2 bpg) and finished third in rebounding (10.1 rpg) last year as a sophomore. Zeller, meanwhile, proved how effective he could be when healthy for a full season. The senior remains a perfect fit for UNC’s transition game — “He’s as good a runner as I’ve ever coached,” Williams says — and he has refined a right-handed hook shot as his go-to move in the post.</p>
<p>
McAdoo figures to rotate in as the team’s third big man, and sophomore Reggie Bullock can spell Barnes at small forward after missing the final nine games last season with a knee injury. Senior Justin Watts is undersized as a backup forward, but he compensates with explosive leaping ability.</p>
<p>
<em><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tar Heels Key Stat: 19.7</strong></span><br />
Harrison Barnes averaged 19.7 points over the final 18 games of his freshman season. He averaged 11.8 in his first 19 games.</em></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>BACKCOURT</strong></span><br />
The Tar Heels won 17 of their final 20 games last season, a run that began when Kendall Marshall became their starting point guard. Marshall took over the starting role after outplaying incumbent Larry Drew II for the first half of the season, and he received heavy minutes after Drew quit the team in early February. Now a sophomore, Marshall is comfortable in his leadership position. He isn’t UNC’s top talent, but he is its most indispensable player because of the team’s lack of depth at his position.</p>
<p>
Ultra-quick junior Dexter Strickland struggled with his shooting for the second year in a row, but he found his niche as UNC’s best perimeter defender. He will continue to start at shooting guard while also serving as Marshall’s primary backup at the point.</p>
<p>
The Tar Heels shot just 32.8 percent from 3-point range last season, an area they must improve to fulfill their national championship aspirations. Junior Leslie McDonald was expected to provide some outside shooting off the bench, but he suffered a torn ACL over the summer. His loss will put more pressure on Bullock and Hairston to deliver some scoring from the perimeter.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>FINAL ANALYSIS</strong></span><br />
The Tar Heels face different expectations from the ones they encountered a year ago. Then, UNC basketball rallied around the idea of clawing their way to the top of the ACC after they fell out of the Top 25 early in the season. Now, they will open the season at the top of every major poll because of their unequaled combination of talent, depth and experience.</p>
<p>
Anything less than the ACC regular-season title and a trip to the Final Four would be a disappointment for UNC players, coaches and fans alike. There are no guarantees in the single-elimination world of the NCAA Tournament, of course, but the Tar Heels have as good a chance as anyone of cutting down the nets in New Orleans — coincidentally, the site of Dean Smith’s 1982 and ’93 national titles.</p>
<p>
“We have the opportunity to win it all, and we have the opportunity to completely fail,” Barnes says. “It’s just a matter of whether we continue to stay humble and continue to take the right steps and get our way back up to the top like we did last year.”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>ACC Prediction: 1st<br />
NCAA Tournament Prediction: National Champs</strong></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/acc">ACC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-59 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/dexter-strickland">Dexter Strickland</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/harrison-barnes">Harrison Barnes</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/james-mcadoo">James McAdoo</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/john-henson">John Henson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/kendall-marshall">Kendall Marshall</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-players/pj-hairston">P.J. Hairston</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-players/tyler-zeller">Tyler Zeller</a></div></div></div>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:48:24 +0000Athlon Sports7224 at http://athlonsports.com